: I agree with you. I much prefer a kayak that doesn't look like
: natural wood. Consider dye instead of paint. It does the trick
: for me. I'm really fond of a deep blood red.

I've built and paddled both. I can see the attraction to a painted kayak. I really prefer a natural wood deck and a painted hull. A painted hull is so much easier to maintain and the wood shines through on the deck.

When I go with natural wood, I like using figured woods in very simple stripping schemes. I used to be a big fan of the complex stripping schemes but now I've gone to the "less is more" wing. The "Neytiri" Night Heron sold me (See below. I wouldn't have done so much carbon though... that was a bit overkill but was what the customer wanted). As a cabinet/furniture builder I was never sold on the use of dye or stain. I always went natural with oils and clear film finishes. I prefer the same on the kayaks.